Wisconsin’s pro-business climate is making the state a perfect place to expand or locate a business. A national survey of CEOs in “Chief Executive” magazine ranked Wisconsin as the 24th best state for business, a huge jump from 41st in 2010. The percentage of Wisconsin CEOs who believe the state is on the right track increased to 88% this year from only 10% in 2010.
The Economic and Community Development division makes investments in companies that are expanding operations in Wisconsin. Specifically, WEDC will invest in companies that retain or create family-supporting jobs in the state of Wisconsin. Our Regional Account Managers can help you find the resources that will be the best fit for your type of business or your stage of business growth, whether financial or otherwise.
The Economic and Community Development division also partners with municipal, county, and regional economic development organizations to provide incentives for business expansion and community economic development. Eligible projects include the expansion of jobs, business development, tax base and the reuse of vacant land or building and related activities. Learn more>>>
The Business & Industry team will develop high quality jobs and significant job growth in Wisconsin by advancing targeted, high growth business consortia and industry sectors. This team will focus on advancing industry-led consortia, industry sector associations and special opportunities that have significant potential to create jobs, establish and maintain key competitive advantages for Wisconsin and fundamentally improve the overall economic performance of the state.
The Minority Business Development program is designed to generate and foster the growth of minority businesses in the State of Wisconsin. The WEDC provides services to minority business owners, entrepreneurs, and resource organizations. This includes hosting the Marketplace and the Governor’s Conference on Minority Business Development, the state’s premier event for Minority Business Enterprises to share ideas to generate and foster the growth of minority businesses.
For exporting, the International Development team will work one-on-one with you to assess the demand for Wisconsin-made products outside of the United States and assist you in developing profitable international transactions.
Contact Us
BUSINESS & INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT CONTACTS
Shelly Harkins
608-267-0346 Shelly.Harkins@wedc.org
Kathy Heady
608-266-9944 Kathy.Heady@wedc.org
Luke Fuszard
608-261-7712 Luke.Fuszard@wedc.org
Gail MacAskil
608-264-7827 Gail.McAskill@wedc.org
Cate Rahmlow
414-302-2828 Cate.Rahmlow@wedc.org
Jason Scott
608 261-7714, Jason.Scott@wedc.org
Doug Thurlow
608-266-7942, Douglas.Thurlow@wedc.org
WEDC REGIONAL ACCOUNT MANAGER CONTACTS
Click here or on the map to the left to locate your regional account manager.
Deb Clements (Adams, Ashland, Bayfield, Burnett, Chippewa, Clark, Douglas, Eau Claire, Forest, Green Lake, Iron, Juneau, Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, Marquette, Menominee, Oneida, Outagamie, Portage, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, Shawano, Taylor, Waupaca, Waushara, Winnebago, Wood, Vilas)
715-344-1381 Deb.Clements@wedc.org
Barb Fleisner (Brown, Door, Florence, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Marinette, Oconto, Sheboygan)
920-676-1960 Barb.Fleisner@wedc.org
Mary Gage (Calumet, Columbia, Dane, Dodge, Fond du Lac, Jefferson, Rock, Sauk)
608-266-2766 Mary.Gage@wedc.org
David Martens (Barron, Buffalo, Burnett, Crawford, Dunn, Grant, Green, Iowa, Jackson, La Crosse, Lafayette, Monroe, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Richland, St. Croix, Trempealeau, Vernon, Washburn)
608-261-7711 David.Martens@wedc.org
Mary Perry (Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth, Washington, Waukesha)
414-302-2826 Mary.Perry@wedc.org
MINORITY BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CONTACT
Seyoum Mengesha
414-302-2807 Seyoum.Mengesha@wedc.org
